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Nintendo Wii U review

It's almost unbelievable that Nintendo launched the original Wii eight years ago. A games console that changed the way people viewed gaming, one that meant anyone young or old could pick up a controller and play almost without instruction. Updated on 17/12/12.

So what has the Wii U got to offer? How do you follow such a popular console, keeping everyone still interested while fighting off the competition from Microsoft and Sony? Nintendo's Wii U hinges and revolves around the GamePad. See also: Nintendo Wii Mini announced

Nintendo Wii U: Design and build quality

The Wii U looks extremely similar to the original Wii, only more rounded and longer. It's designed to sit flat rather than upright, but you still have the option of which ever suits you. It looks better lying flat in our opinion.

On the front of the console is a slot loading disc drive, power, eject and sync buttons and a flap which hides two USB ports and an SD card slot. Round the back is the power connector and, for the first time on a Nintendo console, an HDMI port (cable included). There's two more USB ports, the same sensor bar connector and an AV port so Wii owners can use previous cables if they wish or don't have an HDMI port.

A nice design touch that we like is that the game discs have a rounded edge – a small but charming feature. However, the real unique design point is the GamePad which is unlike any other console controller in that it has its own screen. It looks something like a bigger version of Sony's PlayStation Vita. The closest anything has come to it bundled with a console was the Sega Dreamcast controller with a VMU (visual memory unit) plugged in.

There is a white and black model but it's more than just the colour scheme that's different this time around. The former is the 'basic' pack and comes with no games and 8GB of internal storage while the latter is the 'premium' pack and offers Nintendo Land plus 32GB of storage and some accessories like a GamePad charging cradle.

Priced at £249 and £299, it's worth the extra cash for the nicer looking black model, the extra storage, a game to play and extra kit.

Build quality of the main console unit is good; it feels much more solid than the original Wii. The GamePad has slightly cheap and plastic feel, but not overly so.

Nintendo Wii U: Hardware and performance

Under the shiny exterior of the Wii U are an IBM multicore processor and an AMD Radeon-based GPU. As we've mentioned already, the console is able to output up to full HD 1080p resolution. It would have been a shocker if it didn't. We mentioned the flash-based storage and there's also built-in 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi.

You would be forgiven for assuming the Wii U can play DVDs or even Blu-Ray discs via its slot-loading disc drive. Unfortunately this is not the case and a bit of a disappointment.

Over the course of a week we had a lot of fun playing with the Wii U and we found a lot to like about Nintendo's new offering. The interface looks almost identical to that of the Wii; it's easy to navigate but things are frustratingly slow to load, even opening the system settings.

The GamePad is both an exciting and intriguing element to the Wii U setup. It has the kind of controls you would normally find on an Xbox or Playstation controller but with a 6.3in 16:9 screen in the middle.

It feels quite odd considering there's never been anything like it before but we got used to it fairly quickly. It's bulky but not as heavy as it looks.

There is a bit of a learning curve with the GamePad since different games use the second screen in various ways. Some games simply duplicate whatever is on the TV, while others use it to display additional content.

Taking things even further, you can play games entirely on the GamePad freeing up the TV screen for other uses. The console runs the game but you see and control it with the GamePad. We enjoyed being able to continue playing games like Super Mario Bros in bed.

This is where the Wii U is quite different the original Wii. Anyone could pick up a Wii Remote a throw a bowling ball but hand someone the GamePad and it's not immediately obvious which screen you're supposed to use when.

The Wii U is backwards compatible with original Wii Remotes, which you will need for some games. In Nintendo Land multiplayer and co-op games are played with a combination of the GamePad and Wii Remotes meaning you can have up to five players at the same time. The GamePad player gets their own experience on the small screen while the others play on the TV. It might be a little bit hard to get your head round but it works well and it's easy to switch which player uses the GamePad.

At launch there are plenty of titles to suit different types of gamers. Super Mario Bros U and Nintendo Land are fun easy going games while titles like Zombie U, Call of Duty Black Ops 2 and Batman: Arkham City will appeal to the more serious gamer. For those not wanting to play the more serious titles on the GamePad, there is a Pro Controller which isn't far removed from the Xbox 360 controller.

So far the games only support one GamePad but there is potential for developers to use more, but until then Nintendo won't be selling additional GamePads.

It's a bit difficult using the resistive touchscreen on the GamePad at times, especially if you're used to a responsive capacitive screen on tablets like the iPad and Nexus 7. Battery life lasted around 3-4 hours for us which isn't great if you want to play for a long session and we found the GamePad died during play a couple of times because we didn't notice the warning light. However, the charging cradle, which comes with the Premium pack, will keep the GamePad topped up when it's not in use or you can play with the power lead plugged in.

You can also play Wii games on the Wii U – Nintendo says nearly all of them - but for some reason you have to first launch into the old-style Wii menu which seems a bit long winded really. You can't use the GamePad with Wii games.

Aside from gaming you can also use the Wii U to access services such as YouTube, Netflix, Skype and Lovefilm in app form. There's also an internet browser and the GamePad can be used as a remote control for your TV – there's a dedicated button for it.

Netflix ran smoothly, but requires you to sign up for a free Nintendo ID. These services are a great way of getting access to content on your TV, you can watch on the TV or the GamePad. In addition there is the Miiverse which allows you to connect with other players and the Nintendo eShop where you can download demos and purchase games. Nintendo will also launch its own on-demand content service called Nintendo TVii next year.

OUR VERDICT

The Wii U isn't quite the game changer that the Wii was all those years ago, but it's certainly a lot of fun. The GamePad is unique, innovative and holds tonnes of potential for future titles – we hope they can use it well. Backwards compatibility with Wii games and Remotes makes the Wii U an easy upgrade for Wii owners. The question mark is how it will stack up against the next PlayStation and Xbox models so those with only enough cash for one console might want to hold on.

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Comments

Russel said: Comments,Russel,Can't wait 2 get mine! I love the game pad. Tried it out @ GameStop &amp; just love the thing. Mario in HD Cool! I think in the long run it will hold it's own against XboxOne @ PS4. If we buy it, the games will come!

Sherard P Temple said: Comments,Sherard P Temple,Elem, CPU's are typicially used for physic while GPU's are typically used for rendering. Most Graphics cards are unable to handle both very well. Most of the time they excel at one and not the other.
Its also not true about that physic will slow the game down faster then rendering. Try running a benchmark software on your computer and then tell me which one slows your computer down the fastest, I assure you it is typically a physics test.
Perfect example a friend of mine and I have relatively the same computer, mine has a better CPU and his has a better GPU. Using the same Benchmark Software, his will do better on the rendering than mine, but on the physics test mine does better than his.
Now what matters in a game though is how fast both work together and what all is going on. in the Environment.
But in your defense most games do work around the GPU first. Because not any games out there try to maximize the physics usage yet.

Elem187 said: Comments,Elem187,""Nintendo have released a new system that just about catches up to the current competition (already 5 years old) in terms of graphics""___________________And this is where you are mistaken. AC3, BLOPS2, Batman, etc are ports from the other systems, so of course they look like they are comparable. The Wii-U has a faster GPU and more video memory for high resolution textures. The first developer to take advantage of it instead of just rushing a port to market will be the proof of concept... even the developer of Trine 2 has stated because of the extra GPU horsepower and video memory on the Wii-U they could do the same effects as their PC release, where as for the 360 and ps3, they had to leave out alot of the visual goodies that were in the PC version...... But afte ps4 and xbox release their new toys later next year or the year after they can reclaim king of the hill again, but for right now Nintendo takes its place at the top of the perch.

Elem187 said: Comments,Elem187,No the system isn't a technical spec to ps3 or 360, because it surpassed them.
The graphics are rendered through the GPU, and the GPU is not only faster, but more memory than either the 360 or the ps3.
With more video memory, the hardware can load more textures and higher resolution textures which of course makes the game look far better. If a developer decides to instead of just porting a game but utilizing the larger amount of texture memory will increase the eye candy significantly.
The only part that is weaker is the CPU, but that really isn't used very much for rendering a game...
Two home gaming rigs, one has a faster video card but slower cpu, and the other has a slower video card but a much faster cpu, which do you suppose will run a game at a higher frame rate? The one with the faster GPU and slower CPU.
You should probably do more homework before you start spouting off nonsense, your fanboism is showing.

Ravyu said: Comments,Ravyu,No.. Please no you still will have to swipe at least twice to turn 180 degrees and that is annoying as he'll

Mukkinese said: Comments,Mukkinese,Re; "The Wii U has a lot of potential, but do you need another (massive) controller sitting on your coffee table?"
I have read an interview with Miyamoto, where he was asked "do you see the new controller as a T.V. remote of the future?", to which he replied "yes".
Now I might be taking this a bit literally, but I noticed that there is, what looks like, an infra-red emitter on the top edge of the controller. Could it be possible that this tablet-like device could, amongst all the other things it does, be used as a universal remote too?

CummyShaftStain said: Comments,CummyShaftStain,You're wrong.

Mr X said: Comments,Mr X,The Wii redefined the way that we played computer games, focussing on the enjoyment of a group experience with simple to use controls that literally anyone could use. Who can have played Mario Karts with their family and not laughed till it hurt? The low res graphics were and are still not an issue for the kind of gamers who have a Wii. Sure the natural progression to full HD graphics with the Wii U is to be welcomed, but I can't help but feel that Nintendo has misjudged very badly with the new console by attempting to market it to the more hardcore fraternity. Don't get me wrong. The new tablet controller looks awesome and you can still of course use the traditional Wiimote, nunchuck and balance board. I can see how the tablet could add an extra dimension to many games, and it is sort of neat that you can use it without hogging the TV. But my first thought was that with 2 or more tablets we could finally move away from the stupid split screen multiplayer TV output. First person shooters in particular are impossibly one sided when a single glance at your half of the screen gives away your position to the other players who know the map. Imagine how much better this would be when you each have your own viewpoint on your own tablet, plus all the advantages of looking around and targeting that a motion controller could bring to those of us who havent spent thousands of hours using a standard video game control pad. So why oh why have Nintendo decided to only allow a single tethered tablet per console? Surely in this day and age it can't be lack of processing power from the GPU, cost may be an issue but surely it's down to the customer how much they are willing to spend on a games system, and anyway why shouldn't my friend bring a spare tablet along with their spare wiimote when they come round to play? Also why a proprietary disc system? For crying out loud just give me a blue ray player so I can use a single box to play my movies and play my games.As it currently stands, Nintendo have released a new system that just about catches up to the current competition (already 5 years old) in terms of graphics, the tablet will be matched and probably bettered in fairly short order by the others and on top of that Nintendo lack the depth and breadth of game franchises that 'hardcore' gamers demand. So basically I see a potentially great idea that somehow hasn't been implemented to it's best advantage. Hopefully there's time to fix it before the machine goes on sale next year, or I for one will keep my money in my pocket and wait for a system that does meet my requirements.

sirjohng said: Comments,sirjohng,Games, games, games. I bought it for the exercise regimes and it has improved my body no end. Measurable fitness when I want it in the comfort of my own home for a one time cost - brilliant. And, Julian and Justin, just how many of the 100 million or so homes have you visited to make your bold usage statement?

Shrink101 said: Comments,Shrink101,Isn't this redeploying the Wii as the console version of the ds? Intiguing idea but?Nintendo do seem to target a different audience than Sony or Microsoft - people who enjoy games rather than 'gamers'.

Gocmail said: Comments,Gocmail,Although I have had the chance to test the Wii-U, from looking at the initial promotional video, I have to say I think Nintendo have made a disastous decision. Sure the technical advances with the new U-mote / controller / tablet / Atari Lynx are intriguing and probably fun to play around with for a little while but in my eyes it is a case of letting the tech guys have their own little "what can we do" party without actually looking outside at "what do our potential customers want us to do".
I mean does anybody, in 2011 never mind late 2012, really want to play games with a giant controller in hand. The system is still not to technical spec of PS3s or 360s and Sonys new PSVita is more stylish, compact &amp; technically advanced.
To those at Nintendo, get your resumes out there because this FAIL is going to be the demise of the orginal godfather of game, once and for all.

Mukkinese said: Comments,Mukkinese,I think the main fault of the Wii was lack of third party support. Those third parties that tried made some quality games for the Wii, but the half-hearted support and lack of processing power meant it could not compete for the self-styled "gamers".
The "U-mote" is all fine and good, it gives the whining "gamers" all the buttons and triggers they wanted, but in reality it is about software. I think of this as Wii mark2, or Wii HD, this time the third party devs are on board.
No doubt there will be plenty of innovative uses for the "U-mote", but I am sure most games will have several control options, I for one would tend to choose the Wiimote and nunchuck for most games, it's comfortable and, in my opinion, the best FPS controller set-up there is.

L Kirton said: Comments,L Kirton,The new controller having a touch screen could solve the console problem for RTS games. Using your finger to guide a mouse pointer on your TV screen.